It is tempting to interpret the Bible in such a way that makes all of Jesus’ opponents, “heathens/unbelievers.” But the fact of Scripture was that His opposition was much closer to home, primarily from His own family and brethren.

Jesus knew the deceptive ways of Satan very well. And He certainly recognized those who belonged to their father (Jn. 8:44). Understanding that these must first δέω (“bind, tie, fasten; declare to be prohibited and unlawful”) the ἰσχυρός (“strong, mighty,” i.e. the leadership) of the house (local congregation), before they can διαρπάζω (“plunder, rob thoroughly”) the goods (devour the members and take their money, Lk. 16:14) with their cleverly devised tales. (Ref. Mark 3:27).

Most of the educated “scholars” of the day, such as Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes, Lawyers, Chief Priests, and elders of the Sanhedrin, sought to find fault in Jesus (ref. Lk. 20:1, 19, 20, 28, Mk. 2:24, 3:6, 22), swinging their logs among the members they caused splinters in the eyes of the upright. These Diotrephic bullies (“proud and arrogant opponents”) were always seeking for such opportunities in order to have their self exalted preeminence (3rd Jn. 9-10). They created law from thin air, bound it, and found Jesus guilty of it, speaking wicked words of the innocent. This to remove Him from the “temple,” before having the ability to swallow the unsuspecting and vulnerable. Jesus knew this very well, He saw how the Devil operated.

The Devil’s influence still functions in the same cunning fashion this hour across the globe, unfortunately. Today’s wolves masquerading as sheep do the same thing (Mt. 7:15). They enter into a local congregation and immediately seek to dismantle the leadership before eating up the low hanging fruit, causing division and sorrow, broken families. And these devils will do their father’s deeds in the name of the “law,” manipulative. And if you are incapable of clarity, discerning the truth, you will fall prey to their control. These prideful snakes have a track record of discouragement, dismantle, depletion, and division. They were a burden on the people then, and they still are today.

Our defence is the armour of God, the sword of the Spirit, the truth (i.e. reality). We must be able to rightly handle the Holy Book with pure motives of the mind (i.e. humble, wise). We must be able to see the threat and extinguish it immediately before it contaminates the community. Sadly most times, we come to this wisdom far too late, yet not in vain. There is always hope in Christ, He will guide us forward. It was necessary for Christ to depart, so that the “Helper” would come to the apostles. Today we have the confirmed writings as a result, and we have the love of truth passionately flamed within our hearts. Jesus remained focused on His ministry, even when dealing with these hypocrites. And so must we remain focused on the mission, even when dealing with these self-righteous brutes. The power of darkness may seem victorious (Lk. 22:53), it isn’t, Christ conquered death (Lk. 22:69).

You are loved. You are appreciated and have purpose. In faith we are pleasing to God, and He will bless us to continue His work. All glory to the Living “I AM.”

Your servant,
SM